Desiree's Baby

Markeia Scruggs
September 17, 2009
2 page lit response
“Desiree’s Baby”, written by Kate Chopin, is a story of how love can bond together anyone. The story is set back in the era of slavery and has a tone of love and compassion. Many forms of diction and figurative language are used to support the claim that love can beat all odds. This claim is heavily supported by the text.
“In time Madame Valmonde abandoned every speculation by the one that Desiree had been sent to her by a beneficent Providence to be the child of her affection, seeing that she was without child of the flesh.” states the text. This quote sets the overall purpose of the text, because she is unable to have children herself, she will adopt. The text also states, “That was the way all the Aubignys fell in love, as if struck by a pistol shot.” This quote uses strong diction to produce a tone of strong love and affection. Desiree loved the child so dearly and it is supported by this quote, “This was what made the gentle Desiree so happy, for she loved him desperately. When he frowned she trembled, but loved him. When he smiled, she asked no greater blessing of God. But Armand’s dark, handsome face had not often been disfigured by frowns since the day he fell in love with her.” The use of the word love is used to appeal to pathos to make the reader feel the love and want to achieve such love. This quote makes Desiree’s love for her child seem tangible to an extent.
A hint of racial distinction appears within the text many times. The text states, “One of La Blanche’s little quadroon boys…She tried to speak to the little quadroon boy…Out in the still fields the negroes were picking cotton.” The use of the word quadroon refers to the indication of racial distinction between peoples. The child is referred to as a quadroon, meaning that he is in fact a person of color. At this time, this is a bad thing. The text explains, “Armand,” she called to him, in a voice which must have stabbed him, if he was human. But he did not notice, “Armand,” she said again. Then she rose and tottered towards him. “Armand” she panted once more, clutching his arm, “Look at our child.” What does it mean? Tell me.” In this quote, she is obviously surprised by the fact that her child is black. She knows of nothing to do because this situation is crazy. The use of such bold words creates an image for the reader.
Finally the text states, “But above all,” she wrote, “night and day, I thank the good God for having so arranged our lives that our dear Armand will never know that his mother, who adores him, belongs to the race that is cursed with the brand of slavery.” Even though she loves him dearly, she still is ashamed of his race. She is also ashamed to tell him and others of his race. The choice of putting the words together creates wonderful imagery for the reader.
“Desiree’s Baby” is a story of love and how it can beat the odds. Even though her child was different, her love for him changed nothing. With the intelligent use of figurative language and diction, a picture is painted in the minds of the readers.